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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
Return to Rochester
We returned from Wisconsin much worn, desiring rest, but were
distressed to find Sister Anna afflicted. Disease had fastened upon
her, and she was brought very low. Trials thickened around us. We
had much care. The Office hands boarded with us, and our family
numbered from fifteen to twenty. The large conferences and the Sab-
bath meetings were held at our house. We had no quiet Sabbaths; for
some of the sisters usually tarried all day with their children. Our
brethren and sisters generally did not consider the inconvenience and
additional care and expense brought upon us. As one after another
of the Office hands would come home sick, needing extra attention, I
was fearful that we should sink beneath the anxiety and care. I often
thought that we could endure no more; yet trials increased, and with
surprise I found that we were not overwhelmed. We learned the lesson
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that much more suffering and trial could be borne than we had once
thought possible. The watchful eye of the Lord was upon us, to see
that we were not destroyed.
August 29, 1854, another responsibility was added to our family
in the birth of Willie. He took my mind somewhat from the troubles
around me. About this time the first number of the paper falsely called
the Messenger of Truth was received. Those who slandered us through
that paper had been reproved for their faults and errors. They would
not bear reproof, and in a secret manner at first, afterward more openly,
used their influence against us.
The Lord had shown me the character and final come-out of the
party; that His frown was upon those connected with that paper, and
His hand was against them, and although they might appear to pros-
per for a time, and some honest ones be deceived, yet truth would
eventually triumph, and every honest soul would break away from the
deception which had held them, and come out clear from the influence
of these wicked men; as God’s hand was against them, they must go
down.
Death of Anna White
Sister Anna continued to fail. Her father and mother and her older
sister came from Maine to visit her in her affliction. Anna was calm